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Arrive
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Day 1 Travel to Sussex
Begin your journey at London's Heathrow Airport, in Central London or at St Pancras Station for those arriving by train from mainland Europe. You will be met by your private driver and travel southeast to the rolling hills of the South Downs. Stop off at Wakehurst, the wild botanic garden overseen by Kew Gardens, before continuing onwards to the majestic Gravetye Manor, whose gardens are considered amongst the most important in England.
Option : Discover the hidden treasures of Wakehurst on a private tour with one of the estate's gardeners.
Overnight: Gravetye Manor
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Day 2 Experience Great Dixter
This morning, enjoy a leisurely start to your day before embarking on a small group tour of the gardens at Gravetye Manor, accompanied by one of their expert gardeners. Learn about the history and significance of this enchanting estate, as well as witnessing the efforts necessary to maintain its glorious verdure. In the afternoon, meet your driver guide and travel to Great Dixter, whose exquisite gardens are considered one of the jewels of the Arts and Crafts horticultural movement.
Overnight: Gravetye Manor
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Day 3 Exploring the South Downs
After breakfast at Gravetye Manor, meet your driver guide and embark on a day of explorations of East Sussex. Begin at Herstmonceux, a magnificent, moated 15th-century castle whose 300 acre estate boasts extraordinary Elizabethan Gardens and glorious parkland. You will then travel the short distance to Michelham Priory, a hidden gem similarly rooted in 800 years of history. Here you will find formal gardens, sympathetically laid out around the atmospheric buildings, some of which date back to the Medieval era. The whole area is a haven for wildlife, and the extensive grounds will provide ample space for tranquil reflection and secluded strolls.
Overnight: Gravetye Manor
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Day 4 Travel to London
This morning, check out of Gravetye Manor and travel into Central London with your guide. You might like to stop off at Nymans Gardens en route. These splendid gardens surround the romantic ruins of a gothic mansion. The grounds bring to mind a fairytale, with their perfectly designed garden 'rooms', shaded woodland with secluded niches and flourishing flower beds. Travel onwards into Central London and check into The Goring, which boasts its own charming private garden - a rarity for a hotel in the heart of the city.
Overnight: The Goring
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Day 5 Discover the gardens of London
Meet your guide at The Goring and begin your day with a visit to the Chelsea Physic Garden, founded by Hans Sloane in 17th century as the repository for his many seed collections from his travels. Its creative planting and cultivation of rare species led to its development as an apothecary garden - as well as the source for cotton plants into North America. A short drive will bring you to the calming oasis of the Kyoto Garden at Holland Park, where you might like to enjoy a brief stroll. This afternoon experience the majesty of Kew Gardens, the UK's national botanical gardens, whose hot houses, rolling parks, woodlands and borders contain examples of some of the rarest and most important botanical specimens from all seven continents. This evening, you might like to savour cocktails in London's highest public garden - Sky Garden, an indoor garden set within one of the City's newest skyscrapers and utilising the best drought-resistant plants to flourish within the space.
Overnight: The Goring
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Day 6 Journey to the Cotswolds
This morning check out of The Goring and meet your private driver. You might like to stop off at Regent's Park, to see the exquisite Queen Mary's rose garden. Journey onwards into the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds. Perhaps make a stop at Asthall Gardens, a hidden gem set amidst one of the region's most beloved manor houses. Check into Dormy House and spend the rest of the day at leisure. We highly recommend exploring the extensive grounds and wider estate surrounding Dormy House for its beautiful scenery.
Option : Take a private tour of Asthall Manor with one of the gardeners.
Overnight: Dormy House
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Day 7 Gloucestershire's greatest gardens
This morning will begin with a leisurely start, before you set out with your guide to Kelmscott Manor, the former home of acclaimed designer William Morris. His gardens are the star of the show, having provided inspiration for his craftsmanship throughout his life. In the afternoon, call in at Rosemary Verey's beloved Barnsley House, famed for its herbaceous borders and surprising vistas. Enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the garden following your visit.
Option : Gain a deeper insight into the Kelmscott estate on a private tour with a gardener.
Overnight: Dormy House
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Day 8 Uncover the garden of a King
Your day begins with a visit to one of the area's little-known horticultural gems, Rodmarton Manor, whose herbaceous borders alone make a trip worthwhile. You will be equally rewarded by superb vistas through rockeries and lawns, a kitchen garden and colourful beds. In the afternoon, you will be welcomed to Highgrove Gardens, King Charles III's beloved private home. The King has dedicated many decades to creating a sustainable and organic environment at Highgrove, encouraging both plants and wildlife to flourish.
Option : Enjoy afternoon tea at Highgrove.
Overnight: Dormy House
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Day 9 Discover Hidcote
Today is the culmination of your horticultural journey through southern England. Commence the day at Upton Wold, the hidden garden of the Cotswolds, boasting many rare specimens amongst the verdant woodland, ponds, borders and Arboretum of the area. The afternoon takes you to Hidcote - a true marvel of garden design and arguably the greatest garden of the 20th century, created by renowned horticulturalist Major Lawrence Johnston. Comprising a series of small gardens within a magnificent estate, you'll find long avenues displaying different examples of planting, as well as rare plants, shrubs and flowering plants. We recommend spending the full afternoon at Hidcote to truly gain the best from your visit.
Overnight: Dormy House
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Day 10 Depart
After a final breakfast at Dormy House, take a private transfer to London's Heathrow Airport ahead of your departure flight.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
